Superhydrophobic wrinkled structures constructed on polyester fabrics treated by plasma

Abstract The controllability of wrinkled structures is a crucial issue. In this study, inspired by caterpillars, we successfully impart superhydrophobic (SH) properties to fabrics using a two‐step method to prepare wrinkled structures. Relatively controlled and ordered micron‐sized circular and labyrinthine wrinkled structures are created on polyester fabrics by promoting the cross‐linking of polydimethylsiloxane under the action of argon plasma with mechanical stretch‐release properties and thermal expansion shrinkage. The wrinkled structures improve the mechanical stability of the SH fabrics, with the water contact angle remaining above 150° after 4000 rubbing cycles.